ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cutting tool material

Have you ever used scissors or a knife to cut paper or other things? Well, the blade of those cutting tools is made of a special material that is really strong and hard. This is called a cutting tool material.

Just like how you need a strong and sharp blade to cut things, industries and manufacturers also need special materials that can cut through tough materials like metal or plastic.

There are different types of materials used for cutting tools, but the most common ones are carbide, ceramic, and high-speed steel (HSS).

Carbide is made from a mix of tungsten and carbon, which makes it really strong and wear-resistant. This means it can last a long time even with a lot of use. But it can be brittle, which means it can break if it's not handled carefully.

Ceramic is also very strong and wear-resistant. It's made from a mixture of materials like zirconium and aluminum. Ceramic cutting tools are great for cutting things at high speeds and high temperatures, but they're also very brittle and can break easily.

HSS is a type of steel that has a lot of carbon and other elements added to it. This makes it very hard and tough. HSS cutting tools are good for cutting through tough materials like metal, but they can get dull quickly if they're not used correctly.

In summary, cutting tool materials are special materials used to make blades for cutting tools. They need to be really strong, wear-resistant, and tough to cut through tough materials like metal or plastic. The most common materials used are carbide, ceramic, and high-speed steel, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.